Anthropocene is the brilliant new exhibit which recently opened at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). This exhibition features stunning works of art in the form of photographs, murals, film, and augmented reality (AR) installations by world-renowned Canadian photographer, Edward Burtynsky, and award-winning filmmakers Jennifer Baichwal and Nicholas de Pencier.

Anthropocene is the term for the proposed current geological epoch in which we are living. It refers to the large-scale, unprecedented impact that humans are having on the world by showcasing locations from across the globe that many people may not have seen or experienced. The photographs and film in this exhibit are breathtakingly beautiful yet devastating when you see and feel the impact we are having on the world.

This is a moving exhibit that allows you to reflect on the gravity and scale of the deep, permanent impacts we have inflicted on the Earth and atmosphere, including climate change, species extinction, terraforming, and anthroturbation. Locations featured in the exhibit include Kenya, Italy, Nigeria, the United States, Russia, and Canada. The artists travelled to every continent with the exception of Antarctica to document the irreversible impacts caused by human activity. The artists note that humans now change the planet’s systems more than all natural forces combined, which is the central argument of Anthropocene.

This exhibition is a component of the larger Anthropocene Project, a multidisciplinary initiative led by the three artists. The Anthropocene Working Group comprises a team of international scientists who are advocating to officially change the name of the current epoch, Holocene, to Anthropocene, to acknowledge the impact caused by humans on the earth’s systems.

Anthropocene is also the name of a film which complements the exhibition, which premiered at TIFF in September. The film is beautiful, meaningful, and deeply moving. It is currently showing at select theatres across Canada.

More than a beautiful collection of artwork, this exhibit is particularly important to see and experience to reflect on what we have done to the world and what can, if anything, be done to reset the course we are on to reduce the impacts.

The show runs until January 6, 2019. Tickets can be purchased online to make sure you can go at the time/date you want, or try and purchase on arrival at the AGO. Don’t forget to download the free Avara app (available on iTunes and Google Play), which works with three AR installations for an interactive experience.

TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) is one of the most exciting times of year in Toronto - and one of my favourite things to experience each year! I would get a bit down the past couple of years around this time knowing that I wasn't able to indulge in the fantastic and diverse films shown at the Festival.

The sheer number of films shown at TIFF is mind bogling and can be hard to sift through all the terrific picks on offer. To help narrow it down, below are the films that I am most looking forward to this year:

To get the best chance of getting tickets to your top picks, here are a few suggestions:

Load the TIFF website the morning of September 3rd before the portal for tickets opens at 10am so you're ready. Once the clock hits 10am, click to purchase tickets. You'll likely need to wait in a queue, but the sooner you do it, the higher up you'll be in line.

Have your wish list of films prepared ahead of time. Once your slot in the queue opens, you'll only have a limited period of time to select and purchase your films. You don't want to waste time researching the 300+ films on offer during your slot!

In addition to your wish list, make sure you have your back-ups selected as well. The Gala and Special Presentation films are hardest to get. However, note that you have a pretty good chance at seeing the biggest films when they are replayed later in the festival (and usually less expensive).

Rush tickets are a great option to try and see any films that you don't get tickets for. To get these tickets, you need to go to the venue early ahead of time to line up. Essentially, all ticket holders will be let in first; TIFF staff will then determine how many free spots are in the theatre and will let that amount of people in during the 10 minutes prior to the film starting. Have cash in hand ready to purchase quickly as this is the only form of payment accepted. Tickets are $20 for regular screenings and $40 for premium screenings.

If you haven't got tickets to any of the films (or even if you do), head down to the King West area between Roy Thomson Hall and the TIFF Bell Lightbox to take in all the excitement, buzz and activities, and maybe catch a glimpse of a few celebrities!

In May, the wedding of the year took place when Prince Harry married Meghan Markle. Being a big fan of the royal family, as well as missing the UK after being away for a few months, it was the perfect time for a visit.

I feel so lucky that I was in the crowds in Windsor for the Royal Wedding, soaking up the atmosphere and being part of history. I also had the opportunity to takeover Flare Magazine's Instagram Account by sharing InstaStories throughout the day to give followers a taste of what it was like to be there on the ground.

The weather couldn't have been more beautiful, being in the crowd felt like a festival atmosphere, and Windsor looked so lovely all dressed up with rows of bunting. There was an incredible amount of world media, large and small, in attendance. I watched a live segment of the Today Show broadcasting from the front open window of a pub, and saw the amazing Gayle King up close shooting Instagram Stories.

If you ever have a chance to experience a royal event, try and go. There is nowhere in the world that does an event like this with so much tradition, pomp, and pageantry like the UK!

I recently traveled to Tulum, Mexico, which was the first time I had been in years. I was so looking forward to relaxing on the white sands, soaking in the warm sunshine, and swimming int turquoise water. We got that for our first hour there... and then a tropical storm swept in that basically confined us to our hotel for nearly the entire trip, getting progressively worse each day. Needless to say, it was disappointing but sometimes that happens with travel! When traveling, expect the unexpected and go with the flow, trying not to stress too much.

We tried to make the best of our trip by venturing out when the rain would temporarily let up to explore Tulum, as well as enjoy our beautiful hotel, La Zebra. Below are some of my tips and recommendations for Tulum!

Overview:

Tulum is best described as boho beach chic. It's stylish, laidback, and home to a very creative design community; it's easy to see why it has become such a hot destination. Situated between a lush jungle and sparkling turquoise sea, it is the perfect place to relax without mega resorts, nightclubs, or pubs. Along the Tulum Beach Road, you'll find beautiful independent shops selling artisan goods like home furnishings, art, clothing, and jewelry, along with many yoga studios, juice bars, and fabulous restaurants. The hotels are small and tucked away, blending into their surroundings without interfering with the natural environment. There is a mix of local people and expats from Europe and Scandinavia living and working in Tulum, who were incredibly friendly and helpful. The food is excellent with many of the restaurants using local ingredients, so it's hard to go wrong with wherever you pick to eat. The shopping is also great but very very expensive.

The 'main' town of Tulum is a few minutes drive away. Also nearby are beautiful Mayan ruins from the 13th century which overlook the sea at the Tulum National Park. Tulum is very humid (nearly or at 100% humidity!) with lots of mosquitoes around so remember to bring bug repellent. Also remember to not drink the water or brush your teeth with it; use the purified water / bottled water at your hotel. It is fine to shower in it though.

What To Pack:

Sunscreen

Bug / mosquito spray

Bug bite gel

Flowing, boho-style dresses (especially in light fabrics like linen)

Bathing suits

Light skirts and shorts

Flat leather sandals

Floppy straw hat

A light crossbody bag

Sunglasses

Minimal makeup (it's so humid that it will melt right off; some waterproof mascara and a lip tint is perfect)

Stay

We stayed at the beautiful boutique hotel, La Zebra Tulum, which is also part of the exclusive Small Luxury Hotels Group. This stunning hotel is nestled between the Tulum jungle and the turquoise sea.

La Zebra got its name from a ship from Africa carrying seeds, spices, and animals, which was shipwrecked off the coast of Quintana Roo. While few survivors made it to shore, the ones who did watched a zebra swim ashore and run into the jungle. La Zebra's design blends into its environment so it isn't jarring or obtrusive like other resort areas. It is small and intimate with 29 beautiful rooms designed in a boho chic style.

The welcome at check-in was one of the best I have experienced anywhere. It was warm and friendly, they provided us with lots of detail about the hotel and surrounding area, provided us with a delicious welcome drink (we chose margaritas, of course!), and a tour of the property and our room. All of the hotel staff from the front desk to restaurant to spa were incredibly friendly and helpful. Fantastic service like this is one of the best features of luxury.

The Room:

Our room had a 'jungle' view and located above the spa. It was spacious, comfortable, and homey. We had an enormous king size bed with plush white linens to sleep in. There was a day bed sofa that you could hang out on during the day and use to sleep on if you wanted at night, as well as another slide out bed/mattress tucked underneath for another guest. Fresh flowers were brought to our room each day. Thank goodness for the powerful air conditioning in our room that we could easily adjust as the 100% humidity outside was unbearable. There is no television in the room (or on the property) so you can disconnect. Free wifi is provided; however, it can be patchy and slow.

There is a large shower 'room' with two shower heads in the bathroom. The downside was that the shower would only to get a lukewarm temperature at most. There are twin sinks along with a variety of beautifully-scented, locally-made organic toiletries.

We had a large terrace with lovely outdoor sofas and furnishings to enjoy. During the thunderstorms that rolled through, it was so relaxing to lounge on the terrace and watch the storms.

The attention to detail at La Zebra is outstanding, particularly with design and service touches. A complimentary bottle of mezcal and fixings was provided to enjoy, as well as jars of Mexican sweets refreshed daily in jars bedside. Nespresso coffee is available, as well as an artisan make-your-own 'pour-over' coffee maker. Fresh beach towels are provided each day to bring to the beach with you in the lovely beach bag also provided. Check inside your closet and you will find some fun, bright beach wraps to wear as well!

Turndown service was provided on the first night where a lovely thermos of calming tea was left with some handmade local chocolates and an organic face spray meant to help you have a good night's sleep.

The Restaurant

La Zebra's restaurant is terrific whether you are a guest at the hotel or not. Start your day with their delicious breakfast; the fluffy and flavourful pancakes were my favourite! Everything is presented beautifully and the service is friendly and attentive. The menus are a fresh and modern take on Mexican dishes featuring ingredients sourced both locally and from around Mexico.

If you're a big foodie or looking for a special dinner, book the Chef's Table, where Chef Eleazar Bonilla will indulge you with his eight course tasting menu.

Mulberry Project

Enjoy unique, exciting, and fun cocktails expertly mixed from professional mixologists. There is a focus on fresh and local ingredients, such as fruit and herbs. The cocktails are inventive and dangerously tasty. You'll want to try everything!

Spa and Surroundings

We were treated to a complimentary 15 minute foot massage as a welcome treat at the spa when we checked in. This was one of my favourite things to experience and such a wonderful and luxurious detail! After enjoying the foot massage, I booked a massage and facial, both of which were pure bliss. The therapists were so warm and lovely. Available treatments in the tiny but beautiful spa include facials, massages, and body treatments.

Nap room

This is one of the coolest features I've ever seen at a hotel! When you enter this billowy canvass tent, relax and have a snooze in one of the two colourful, striped hammocks inside.

Eat

Tulum is brimming with great places to eat and drink. There are lots of healthy options to choose from, including many vegan options and juice bars.

La Zebra Restaurant: Fantastic menu options featuring Mexican dishes with fresh local ingredients. The tacos and enchiladas are terrific in particular, and the margaritas outstanding. The service is also friendly and welcoming.

Rosa Negra: This chic and stylish restaurant elevates service to new levels. You are well taken care of from the moment you enter the restaurant. The menu features Latin American cuisine from Peru, Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, and Mexico. If you fancy seafood, they will bring over a giant platter and describe everything on offer for the day. The cocktails are creative and tasty, and the food is absolutely delicious. You will definitely not leave hungry! This is a great restaurant to go if you're looking for something stylish and bit more upscale.

Casa Jaguar: This restaurant is almost entirely outdoors and set into the jungle, making it feel very exotic. It is rustic and candlelit, giving it a very cool vibe along with the burning palo santo swirling around your feet and great music softly playing in the background. The service isn't the quickest but the cocktails are fantastic. The menu features ceviches, salads, and wood-fired meat and vegetables. You can stop in just for drinks or stay for a meal. This is a perfect date / romantic spot to go while in Tulum. Casa Jaguar is on the pricier side.

Shop

Tulum is a creative haven with many independent designers selling beautiful, unique clothing, jewelry, sandals, dreamcatchers, traditional art and crafts, and other home furnishings and textiles in boutiques dotting the beach road. This is a great place to find unique pieces that have either been locally made and/or with local materials. The shops also stay open quite late so you can enjoy the beach all day, have some dinner and then do some late evening shopping when the temperature is more comfortable. However, while the shopping is great, it is quite expensive overall. Don't forget to look down the little nooks on the streets as there are small arcades of multiple shops that you can't always see right on the main road.

The closest airport to Tulum is Cancun Airport. From there, you have various options to drive to Tulum including public transport/bus, hotel shuttles, rent a car, or take a taxi. By car, the journey will take approximately 90 minutes. A taxi will cost you about $110 USD one way (per car). If you want to take a taxi, try and arrange it beforehand with a reputable company and only go with an official taxi company. Beware of the many men who pounce on you as soon as you leave the airport arrivals doors outside asking if you need a taxi.

It is very easy to rent a car in the Tulum / Cancun area. We asked our hotel to assist us when we were planning to drive to another part of Mexico, which we found to be very helpful to make sure we were going with a reputable company and avoid any communication issues. The route between Cancun and Tulum is pretty straightforward; however, the drivers are all over the place on the roads so you need to be constantly alert.

Bicycles are widely available to rent in Tulum. The advice given to us was to avoid riding them at night as there are no streetlights on the main Tulum Beach Road. It is extremely dark and the road is uneven and filled with potholes, so it can be quite dangerous.

The Broad was founded by philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad, who have been building their collection of postwar and contemporary art over the last five decades. There are two floors of gallery space spread over 120,000 square feet, and is the headquarters of The Broad Art Foundation's worldwide lending library which has been loaning collection works to museums globally since 1984. The museum also regularly hosts engaging temporary exhibitions.

The Broad is free to visit, however you need to pre-book a ticket in order to secure entry due to its popularity. If you don't have tickets, there is an online standby line that you can join to get in on a first-come first-served basis. During holiday weekends, the wait time in the standby line can be up to two to three hours. There is so much to see and take in so try to allow yourself at least two hours to enjoy it.

Downtown LA is ready for its close-up!

This tour will focus in on the historic buildings, public art, and picturesque views of DTLA with your eyes AND your cameras. We’ll check out some of the most attractive hidden spots and overlooked details of downtown Los Angeles, and explore different ideas, tips and tricks for capturing them on film. Whether they’re intended for Instagram, your Facebook profile, or a family holiday card, your photos from this tour will be unique! We may even get a rooftop shot of our beautiful City of Angels!

Tour cost is $20 for adults (ages 13 and over), $5 for children (ages 5 - 12) and free for toddlers 4 and under. Processing fees are added at time of checkout. This is a two hour tour starting at 3:00 pm and ending at 5:00 pm.

Tickets are going fast and there are only five left! I'd love to meet you and enjoy seeing some of DTLA's coolest spots. You can buy your tickets here.

"With just one polka dot, nothing can be achieved.

In the universe, there is the sun, the moon, the earth, and hundreds of millions of stars. All of us live in the unfathomable mystery and infinitude of the universe."

- Yayoi Kusama

I can't remember when I first heard about Yayoi Kusama and her stunning Infinity Mirrors exhibit, but Ido know that I've been wanting and trying to see it for years. It has seemed like wherever I have travelled, the show has either just finished or is starting after I leave!

When I heard last year that the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) was going to be hosting this exhibition (the only Canadian city to do so), I've eagerly awaited its arrival. Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the media preview of this extraordinary show, which officially opened to members of the public this past weekend to overwhelming demand.

When the AGO opened the booking portal for tickets in January, thousands and thousands of people logged in, waiting for hours to snag a ticket to one of the hottest shows of the year. In three days, the AGO sold an astonishing 30,000 tickets, selling out well before the show opened! One of the most exciting things about this show is that it is drawing attention and a younger audience to the AGO, generating energy and excitement which will hopefully continue into the future attracting more shows like this one. For myself, this show inspired me to buy a membership to the AGO to explore everything the Gallery has to offer and engage in new ways.

Infinity Mirrors and the dreamworlds they create in six immersive rooms have to be seen in person to get the full effect. Yes, they look beautiful in photos, but are even more dazzling to experience. These worlds were created by Yayoi Kusama, the brilliantly talented 88 year old artist who lives in Tokyo (voluntarily in a mental hospital since 1977), and still actively creates art today. In addition to experiencing six of Kusama's most iconic works, there are more than 90 paintings (including her early Infinity Net paintings), sculptures, photographs, rare archival materials, and works on paper from the 1950s to current day to see.

In addition to the ticketed exhibit, you can see her 'Narcissus Garden' installation on the second floor (on view from February 24 - April 29, 2018), a beautiful 'garden' made of mirrored balls, which is open to general admission.

Kusama has been creating art and breaking new ground for over 60 years. During her time in New York (between 158 - 1973), Kusama moved in circles with fellow artists Andy Warhol and Allan Kaprow. It was during this time that she began creating her signature polka dot and net designs, transforming them into paintings, soft sculptures, installations, and performance-based art.

The first use of mirrors came with Infinity Mirror Room - Phalli's Field, 1965 (the red-and-white polka dot themed installation), which multiplied and magnified the repetitive effect she was hoping to achieve, transcending physical limitations and creating an immersive experience.

Kusama was the first woman to have a solo presentation at Venice's Biennale's Japanese Pavilion in 1993, and was named on of the world's most influential people by Time Magazine in 2016.

Above, the famous 'Kusama pumpkins' can be viewed in her work called All the Eternal Love I Have for the Pumpkins. You aren't allowed to take photos while inside the room, but you can when outside the door looking in. You will also be escorted inside with a member of staff. This is apparently due to pumpkins being damaged in previous exhibitions held elsewhere and the art is fragile.

The pumpkins first appeared in some of Kusama’s drawings from the late 1940s and has regularly shown up in her paintings, sculptures, drawings and installations. Her first pumpkin mirrored room was staged in 1991 and later at the 1993 Venice Biennale. The concept of this room is for viewers to be transported into a space which recalls fairytales and fantasy.

Love Forever is a trippy feast for your eyes, allowing up to two viewers to look through small peepholes into this room. Looking inside, you can see yourself in a mirror directly opposite as well as the other viewer, making it feel quite voyeuristic. Kusama was experimenting with new technology when she created this room, which features dazzling lights, patterns and colours which change every few seconds. Her 1966 exhibition featured this work and she distributed buttons with her 'Love Forever' message printed on them. For her, this work stood for civil rights, sexual liberation, and the anti-war movement in the 1960s.

The Souls of Millions of Light Years Awaytakes you into a world of lights and mirrors resembling a galaxy. Hundreds of LED lights flicker and sparkle while you are inside activating the environment and becoming immersed into the infinite space. It is absolutely breathtaking to experience! I just wish that you could have longer than the allocated 30 seconds to experience it and really take it in.

Phalli’s Fieldarose from Kusama wanting a new way to create a hallucinatory scene of phallic-like shapes covered in red polka dots. Up until the point this room was created, Kusama had spent much of her time between 1962 and 1964 sewing thousands of stuffed fabric tubes and affixing them to furniture and other objects to create her sculptures; however, this became physically and mentally tiring. Her breakthrough moment came when she began to use mirrors to achieve the repetitive effect she envisioned, transcending her physical limitations, and making it an immersive experience for viewers.

Aftermath of Obliteration of Eternityis another mesmerizing world comprised of flickering gold lanterns that seem to go on forever into black infinite space. Kusama's room is a reflection on the experience of death and potential afterlife, recalling the Japanese tradition of toro nagashi, a ceremony which sees paper lanterns float down a river to guide ancestral spirits back to the resting places on the final night of the summer Obon Festival.

Dots Obsession – Love Transformed Into Dotshas you enter a large gallery room which has a rosy glow from the large pink polka-dotted balloons hanging from the ceiling and placed around the floor. Near the back of the room, you can enter a room inside one of the balloons, feeling a bit like you are entering a fuschia fairy-tale world. On the other end of the room, you get the opposite experience by peering into a small hole into a dazzling pink infinity mirror room.

The Obliteration Roomis the final room of the exhibit. This room invites you to participate in completing the work. Upon entering the stark white room, set up to look like an everyday home with everyday objects, you are handed a sheet of coloured dot stickers and invited to place them anywhere in the room and on objects. I would love to see what this room looks like when the exhibition closes! Kusama's concept of obliteration is to find and create new expression on this white space as the coloured dots invite each visitor to participate on a journey to infinity one dot at a time.

For each of the mirrored rooms, you will join a line to enter. You may have the opportunity to go in by yourself or with two to four other people. You need to leave your bags just outside the exhibit (watched by AGO staff) and can enter for twenty to thirty seconds depending on the room. The staff have a stopwatch to time each entry and will give a soft knock on the door to let you know when five seconds are left. I wish that you could have more time inside the rooms as they are so dazzling and extraordinary that there just isn't enough time to properly take everything in. But, on the other hand, it forces you to be present and enjoy the moments you do have.

This extraordinary show is a visual delight, and you are encouraged to share your photos with the hashtag #infinitekusama. Part of the appeal and high demand to see Kusama's show has been driven through photos shared through Instagram. While you can bring your cameras and smartphones, you cannot bring in tripods or selfie sticks.

There will be a new batch of tickets released by the AGO on Tuesday March 6th at 10am online only. There will also be a very limited number of same-day timed tickets available on-site at the gallery. The show runs from March 3 to May 27, 2018.

One of my favourite things to do every year during the Christmas season is see a production of The Nutcracker. It never fails to fully put me into the Christmas spirit!

I took my mom to see the National Ballet of Canada's production of The Nutcracker on Wednesday evening at the stunning Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Artsin downtown Toronto. The permanent home to the Canadian Opera Company and National Ballet of Canada opened in 2006. This theatre is one of my favourite places in the world to see productions. The striking large window facade allows the glitz and glamour happening inside the soaring multi-level lobby to be seen from outdoors. Inside, the ceiling soars high with a striking glass staircase snaking its way across the different levels of the theatre. Designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects, it was built specifically for opera and ballet performances with top acoustic sound quality.

The NBC's version of The Nutcracker was created in 1995 by the Ballet's former Artistic Director, James Kudelka. This production places an emphasis on imagination and seeing it through a child's eyes. It is fun, colourful, humorous at times (such as the daily local guest celebrity Cannon Dolls or the bears on skates and pointe shoes), and mesmerizing visually throughout through the skill of the dancers, stunning sets, and beautiful costumes. The orchestra is magnificent, filling the theatre with the familiar score and bringing the show to life even more. This year's show seemed to go back to the Russian roots of the story more than in recent years, which I really enjoyed.

Photo: National Ballet of Canada

Photo: Bruce Zinger

There are some standout moments throughout the show. One of my favourites is the Snow Scene, where you are transported into a sparkling winter wonderland. The set is spectacular, and the glittering costumes sparkle across the stage. The Snow Queen was majestically performed by Principal Dancer, Elena Lobsanova, during the performance I saw, with her two male 'Icicles', who glide across the stage in a beautifully choreographed sequence. Whereas other productions in other cities around the world have performed this scene as a pas de deux between the Snow Queen and Snow King, I enjoyed this version with the Snow Queen commanding both the stage and her Icicles. I found that the corps de ballet performing as the Snow Maidens was a bit chaotic and not as precise in their formations and timings as they could be; however, the overall impact across the stage with the costumes, music, and outstanding performance by Elena was wonderful.

I was also very excited because the night I attended saw Principal Dancer, Heather Ogden, play the role of the Sugarplum Fairy. Watching her dance was a dream as she seemingly floats across the stage with grace, poise, strength, and so much control. Watching her emerge from the large Faberge egg reminded me of the ballerina from a children's musical jewelry box - just magical! The role of the Nutcracker for the evening was played by Principal Dancer, Guillaume Cote, who also happens to be Heather's real-life husband, so watching the pas de deux between the pair on stage made it even more stunning.

Photo: Bruce Zinger

The Waltz of the Flowers is a confectionary delight with colourful pastel costumes floating and twirling around the stage. The one worry I had watching throughout the entire show was the regular 'snow' falling across the stage; beautiful for the audience, hazardous for the dancers. Indeed, one dancer during the Waltz of the Flowers took a tumble but recovered quickly and carried on like a professional.

The Nutcracker is sold out for this season; however, there are a few single tickets available for some performances, as well as a limited number of standing room tickets available for $12 at 11am on the day of the show in person at the Four Seasons Centre Box Office. It runs from December 9 - 30th, 2017. If you aren't able to see it this year, add to your list for next Christmas!

When I first moved to the UK in 2008, I discovered the phenomenon of Christmas Markets. I mean, being able to pop over to a new European country for a long weekend to explore a new city without high season tourist crowds, walk around in the frosty air amongst beautiful Christmas trees, twinkling lights, little market stalls selling all sorts of treasures, the smell of baked goods in the air, and sipping some hot gluhwein (mulled wine) to keep warm and festive - does it get any better? Well, perhaps, when snowflakes begin to fall around you adding to the magical atmosphere! Between exploring the Christmas markets in the city, you can duck into interesting museums, shops, and restaurants to explore and warm up. Since that first year I went in 2008 (to Prague), I have continued the tradition by visiting a new Christmas Market each year.

Paris is magical any time of year you visit, but add some more lights and sparkle at Christmastime and it's almost overwhelming! I'm sharing my Paris Christmas Market trip guide and recommendations below.

Christmas Markets:

La Defense:

This is the largest Christmas Market in Paris with over 350 christmas stalls to explore, shop, and eat. It's in the business area of Paris, so while it isn't right in the centre of the city, it is a pretty quick Metro journey to get there. It is prettiest at dusk and into the evening when the lights switch on over the market and the surrounding buildings.

Open: 23 November - 28 December, 2017; open every day from 11am to 8pm.

Notre Dame is one of Paris's most iconic and beautiful landmarks. There is a lovely Christmas Market in Square Rene Viviani selling a host of French arts, crafts, and gastronomy. There are fewer market stalls here (about 40), but the setting and atmosphere are beautiful - and you can check out the Cathedral while you're there.

Open: 15 - 24 December 2017; open every day from 10am to 8pm.

Metro: Saint-Michel

Saint-Germain-des-Pres

This is one of my favourite areas in Paris. It features a lovely Christmas Market in front of the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Pres. After exploring the wooden chalets, enjoy a coffee outside at one of the bistro tables of Cafe de Flore or Les Deux Magots to people watch. There is great shopping and other great restaurants in this area too. Try checking out Le Bon Marche or stock up on French beauty products at City Pharma.

Place d'Italie

This small Christmas Market is in the lovely Place d'Italie, and features delicious food to enjoy as well as a selection of Christmas chalets selling festive items.

Open: 28 November - 31 December 2017

Metro: Place d'Italie

Eiffel Tower - Mail Branly

Close to the Eiffel Tower, there is another small market to enjoy shopping at and warming up with some mulled wine. While it's small, it makes up for it by its location - close to the Eiffel Tower (go in the evening to watch is sparkle) and the beautiful Bir Hakeim bridge (a double height bridge, made famous in Last Tango in Paris).

Metro: Alma - Marceau

Montmartre

Montmartre is the Paris often described in books: it has a dreamy Parisian village feel with its fairytale-like shops and homes dotting the hilly landscape and providing some of the most stunning views of the city. This market has about 30 christmas chalets selling mulled wine, French food, and traditional gifts below the Sacre-Coeur.

Metro: Abbesses

Gare Saint-Lazare

This Christmas Market is located at the Saint-Lazare station, and features a variety of pop-up shops selling unique items which are made in France.

Metro: Saint-Lazare

Champs Elysee

This elegant, famous boulevard is a cavalcade of lights and market stalls competing for your attention. There are over 200 wooden chalets stretching from the place de la Concorde to the Champs Elysee roundabout. To be honest, this isn't my favourite area for Christmas Markets in Paris as I found it to be too busy, too commercial, and very few unique things at inflated prices. If you're in the area, check it out, especially in the evening when all of the lights are on along the boulevard creating a beautiful sight. Another idea is to take a ride on the Wheel near sunset for stunning views with beautiful low winter light over the city.

*Note: this Christmas Market has been cancelled by the Paris City Council due to its 'inferior quality food, toys, and trinkets'. It remains to be seen if this decision will be overturned!

Do:

My favourite thing to do in Paris is to explore new areas and walk for hours discovering new shops, restaurants, and cultural and historical sights. Let yourself get lost and see what you can discover! Below are some of my favourite things to do in Paris:

Musee Rodin: This small but beautiful museum is perfect to explore without feeling overwhelmed. Many of the sculptures are in the beautiful gardens so you can walk around and explore outdoors, as well as inside the museum building. It also has a very nice cafe to stop for a small bite to eat or a coffee.

Museum National d'Histoire Paleontology Section at the Jardin de Plantes, is very cool. They have lined up the skeletons of dozens (hundreds?) of animals progressing in size, so if you stand in front of it facing them, they look like they are running towards you! A small, but very cool museum inside a beautiful park.

Louvre: Incredible but overwhelming. If you go, pick a few things in advance you really want to see and target those. This museum is absolutely enormous with thousands of things to see, and will tire you out quickly. Try and also buy a ticket in advance online to beat the crowds and queues. Definitely check out the grounds of the Louvre with its iconic Pyramid dominating the square. Grab a pastry and coffee from Claus and people-watch on one of the benches in the square.

Musee d'Orsay: Another iconic Parisian museum to explore devoted to the arts between 1848 - 1914. Artistic movements featured include Realism, Impressionism, Symbolism, and Art Nouveau. Artists include Bonnard, Carpeaux, Cezanne, Degas, Guimard, Lalique, Manet, Monet, Pissarro, Renoir, Rodin and Van Gogh. There is a lovely cafe on the top floor of the museum to stop and rest your feet. While you're there, check out the large clock window for great views and photo opportunities. There is also a great terrace offering fabulous views over the city near the cafe.

Musee National Picasso-Paris: This museum was recently renovated and features over 5,000 works of Picasso and tens of thousands of archived pieces. This collection, housed in a beautiful building, is the only one in the world that presents Picasso's complete painted, sculpted, engraved, and illustrated works, as well as a record through sketches, studies, drafts, notebooks, etchings, photographs, illustrated books, films and documents of his creative process. This is a fantastic museum to visit and not too overwhelming. It also has a very nice gift shop nearby.

Eiffel Tower: For me, this is a must-visit every time I visit Paris. Yes, it's touristy but there's just something about it that draws me in, whether early in the morning when that magical Parisian daylight is rising, or in the evenings when the Tower sparkles and shimmers. My suggestion is to go to Trocadero first to admire it and take some fab photos, then walk down the steps and across the bridge so that you're at its base. under it. It sparkles on the hour every hour at dark (usually from 6pm) for about 5 minutes. There is a lovely park stretching out from the Tower as well, which is perfect for a picnic. Click here for more of my Eiffel Tower suggestions.

Institut du Monde Arabe: This stunning building opened in 2012. The Institut features exhibitions and objects that show the diversity of the Arab world and Arab-Islamic civilization throughout history. More than 560 unique works are displayed across four levels including bronzes, ceramics, woodwork, textiles, scientific objects, and illuminations. One of the most beautiful and fascinating elements of the building are it's windows, which features 240 photo-sensitive motor controlled apertures / shutters, which automatically open and close to control the amount of light and heat come into the building from the sun. This mechanism creates interior spaces with filtered light, which is an effect often used with climate-oriented strategies. I love going to the top of the building to enjoy the beautiful views over Paris from its rooftop terrace, and stopping at the rooftop cafe for a glass of champagne and delicious baklava.

Musee de l'Orangerie: This beautiful museum is located in the Jardin des Tuileries. With many beautiful works of art to admire, the jewel in its crown is the spectacular room featuring Claude Monet's 'Waterlilies'. Worth the visit even if you just go to see this famous work of art!

Notre-Dame Paris: This Parisian landmark is an iconic medieval Catholic cathedral located on the Ile de la Cite on the Seine. The cathedral is one of the largest and most famous religious buildings in the world, and considered to be one of the best examples of French Gothic architecture. You can climb up inside and enjoy stunning view of the city, as well as stroll the perfectly manicured gardens surrounding the Cathedral.

Sacre-Coeur: The Basilica of the Sacré Cœur dominates the hill of Montmatre. It is a Roman Catholic church at the highest point in the city, providing visitors with incredible views over Paris. It is actually also a double monument as both a national penance for the defeat of France in the 1870 Franco-Prussian War and the social Paris Commune of 1871, which crowned its most rebellious neighbourhood, and an embodiment of conservative moral order. located at the summit of the hill of Montmartre, on the right bank of the Seine. Its dominating appearance on the hill in white with rounded towers make it seem almost fairytale-like. There are public 'steps' located out front that you can sit and enjoy the fantastic view and street performers. Annoyingly, there are some aggressive people selling cheap, knock-off items and trying to rip tourists off. Ignore them. Also ignore the tables selling lottery and games towards the bottom by being firm and confident.

Palace of Versailles: It probably requires at least a half a day but is well worth a visit. The Palace of Versailles has been a World Heritage Site for 30 years. Once Louis XIII's old hunting pavilion was transformed by his son, Louis XIV, when he installed the Court and Government here in 1682. A succession of Kings continued to expand the Palace until the French Revolution in 1789 forced Louis XVI to leave Versailles for Paris. The Palace became the Museum of the History of France in 1837 with the rooms devoted to housing new collections of paintings and sculptures representing important figures and events that had marked the history of France. Today, the Palace has 2,300 rooms! The palace has extensive, beautifully landscaped gardens which spread over 800 hectares. One of the most spectacular rooms is the Hall of Mirrors, which was built to replace a large terrace which opened onto the garden. If you're a fan of Marie Antoinette, you'll enjoy seeing the chambers where she lived and slept!

Palais Royal: Located close to the Louvre, this beautiful spot is popular for people to come for a walk around the beautiful gardens, strike a pose against the chic black and white columns, check out the contemporary fountains in the courtyard, or grab a coffee from the popular Cafe Kitsune. The Palais Royal was originally built for Cardinal Richelieu. The main part of the palace became a royal residence from 1661. It was completed and modified in the 18th and 19th centuries. During the 19th century, it became a place of promiscuity, which was immortalized by Balzac.

Gardens: Paris is known for its stunning gardens. Some of my favourites to explore are the Jardin du Luxembourg, Jardin des Plantes, and Jardin des Tuileries.

Pere Lechaise cemetery: Located in the 20th, it is really fascinating and worth a visit (it isn't creepy). This is one of Paris's most famous and frequently visited cemeteries due to its extensive size (44 hectares and 70,000 burial plots), its landscaping (modeled after an English park), architecture and shrines including Gothic graves, Haussmanian burial chambers, and ancient mausoleums, and the numerous famous people who have been laid to rest here. Famous residents including Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, Camille Pissarro, Jim Morrison, Colette, Frederic Chopin, and Moliere, just to name a few.

Fondation Louis Vuitton: Designed by renowned architect, Frank Gehry, the Fondation is an art museum and cultural centre which opened in 2014. The building itself is worth seeing, which is located in the Bois de Boulogne (near the Jardin d'Acclimatation). There are panoramic views throughout the building, due to its extensive and creative use of glass. It features a permanent art collection as well as special exhibits, and has a lovely cafe on the ground floor.

Place des Vosges: One of Paris's oldest and most beautiful squares! Explore the arches housing shops, restaurants, and galleries which surround the main square and central garden. On the edge of the Marais, it is a perfect place to enjoy a picnic if it is nice outside.

Arc de Triomphe: At the 'top' of the Champs Elysee and at the Place de l'Etoile, you can climb this famous arch and have beautiful views from the top across the entire city.

Palais de Tokyo: This gallery is dedicated to modern and contemporary art, near the Trocadero. It also has a terrace with incredible views out to the Eiffel Tower that can be accessed for free.

Shop

Le Bon Marche: I visit this beautiful store every time I'm in Paris. It's chic, filled with all kinds of fabulous brands (especially the beauty and women's contemporary sections) and items, and a seriously Instagrammable main hall with art deco escalators criss-crossing each other. They often feature creative art installations, so worth checking out to see what's on display.

Galeries Lafayette: go here to check out the incredible main hall which always features a breathtaking Christmas tree! Some nice shopping for contemporary fashion and beauty, but I usually prefer Le Bon Marche.

Printemps Hausmann: The showstopper here is their fantastic rooftop cafe for stunning views over Paris. Enter through the beauty counter entrance of the building and head to the rooftop via this route. The view is free, and it's lovely to sit with a coffee or glass of wine at the rooftop cafe, especially at sunset.

Colette: Located on the swish Rue St Honore, this is a fashion favourite. They always have cool features happening in-store as well as carefully curated, unique items and brands to check out.

City Pharma: If you're as obsessed with beauty and skin products as me, you have to visit City Pharma in St Germain. This beauty cult favourite has all the best French products, like Caudalie, Avene, La Roche Posay etc etc, and all at inexpensive prices. Be warned though - it gets insanely busy so I suggest going early on a weekday morning or later in the evening on a weekday if you can. Stand your ground and ideally go with a list of things you want with you to stay focused.

Merci: In the Haut-Marais is this fabulous fashion and home store. You'll probably know it by seeing the iconic Mini Cooper in the courtyard and its cool Used Book Cafe. Merci acts as a launching pad for young designers to make themselves known to French and international shoppers.

Shakespeare and Co: This brilliant and famous independent bookshop sells a wide selection of English language books on the left bank. It was the first bookshop to publish James Joyce's Ulysses in full. It regularly hosts events, including hosting some of the most famous literary figures in history such as Ernest Hemingway, F Scott Fitzgerald, Jack Kerouac, and Allen Ginsberg. The shop was forced to close in 1941 when Nazis occupied Paris. It also has a little cafe attached to it next door. It is definitely worth checking out!

Eat

There are too many wonderful places to eat in Paris to possibly list them all, so I'll dive in by sharing some of my current favourites:

Fish La Boissonnerie: Located in Saint-Germain-des-Pres, this restaurant has a regularly changing menu featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients and dishes. Their wine selection is also terrific. I have never had a bad meal here. Make a reservation for this small restaurant to secure your chance of having dinner here, or slide up to eat at the bar to enjoy and chat with the people around you. A must visit on any trip to Paris I make!

Semilla: This restaurant is by the same owners of Fish La Boissonnerie and is also a wonderful, slightly more upscale restaurant just across the road. Semilla features very tasty dishes with fresh, seasonal ingredients on its regularly changing menu.

Le Mary Celeste: This is easily one of the coolest places in Paris. This tiny restaurant and bar is located in the Marais and features creative, delicious dishes on a regularly updated menu. This place is buzzing with people so reservations are recommended. It's a great place to go with friends to share a variety of dishes, or try some of their amazing cocktails (some of the best I've ever tried anywhere!).

L'Éclair de Genie: The best eclairs anywhere, hands down. The incredible eclairs by master pastry chef Christophe Adam literally brought tears to my eyes when I first tried them - they are THAT good! There are a few locations in Paris now, but my favourite is the one in the Marais. If the Salted Caramel eclair is available, definitely make that your first one!

Rose Bakery: This is a great place for brunch, particularly at their Marais location, or take a shopping break and have a coffee and their famous carrot cake if you're at their Le Bon Marche location. Don't go too late in the day though or you'll miss the carrot cake and some of the other in-demand cakes!

Bistrot Paul Bert: Classic French food in a beautiful bistro style restaurant. The food was incredible and the desserts were out of this world. We ordered a cheese board, which arrived at our table on a giant cutting board - with full size blocks of cheese and a knife to cut the amount you wanted! One of my friends ordered the baba au rhum (Rum Baba cake), which came with an entire bottle of rum to top up at your pleasure! I had their Paris Brest, which was to die for.

Grande Mosquee de Paris: Enjoy a fabulous mint tea and baklava in the lovely courtyard and gardens, and explore one of the biggest mosques in France.

Printemps Haussmann: If you're looking for a great quick lunch or snack, the gourmet food hall at Printemps is incredible! This is a food hall Parisian style - think champagne and oyster bars, fancy tapas, gorgeous pastries, and more. The last time I was there, I enjoyed some sparkling wine and tapas. Lovely!

Mama Shelter: Not just a fabulous place to stay, it is also a great place for cocktails at night and where cool Parisians hang out.

Mariage Freres: This French tea company is my favourite brand of tea (particularly Vanille des Iles and French Breakfast). They have a few locations around Paris, and some of them do a wonderful afternoon tea.

Ralph's Paris: This lovely little cafe by Ralph Lauren is in Saint-Germain-des-Pres inside a beautiful courtyard. It is a nice experience if you want something a bit lux.

Claus: A lovely brunch and coffee spot in the Marais, close to the Louvre. It's always busy so I've usually just grabbed some of their lovely to-go pastries and a coffee and eaten them on one of the benches outside of the Louvre while people-watching.

Au Petit Versailles: One of the best bakeries in Paris in the Marais. It's tiny but wonderful, and regularly wins awards for their bread. Their croissants are wonderful for breakfast, and don't forget to try their Paris Brest (located at 1 Rue Tiron)!

Daroco Paris: Daroco is in the building of what used to be Jean-Paul Gaultier's first store, and leaves much of the original footprint in place. New, chic additions have been added, such as an open kitchen, opulent velour banquet booths, and mirrored ceilings. The pizzas here are out-of-this-world delicious! Make a booking as this restaurant is proving to be one of Paris's most popular.

Stay

Mama Shelter: Located in the 20th arrondisement, this Philippe Starck designed hotel is one of Paris's coolest places to stay. While it isn't in the centre of Paris, it is easy to get around to due its proximity to the Metro. It is one of the most diverse, interesting areas of Paris, as well as being close to the Pere Lachaise cemetery. there are 172 rooms which are equipped with 5 star bedding and fun interiors. The restaurants are all delicious, from simple, homemade cuisine. You can check the huge island bar, pizzeria, or terrace. There is also a lovely rooftop to enjoy during warm days for a drink or meal.

Grand Hotel du Palais Royal: I absolutely adore this beautiful small luxury boutique hotel in the heart of the Palais Royal. Incredibly friendly staff are there to help you have a comfortable staff, the rooms are impeccably decorated, and the location can't be beat. Check out a more detailed review of this hotel when I had the opportunity to stay there here.

Le Meridien Etoile: This hotel is located very close to the Champs Elysee near the Arc du Triomphe end. It has small and stylish rooms, and is well located to travel around the city with a Metro station very close by. Check out more details and full details on my stay here.

Airbnb

Staying at an Airbnb is a wonderful option, particularly if you are staying in Paris for longer than a weekend, and/or want to feel like / pretend you live in the city. Below are two Airbnbs that I have stayed in that I really enjoyed!

Paris has a great Metro system. Buy a set of 'carnets' (tickets) so you can pass through the stations easily without having to buy a new ticket each time. While you're in the stations or on the Metro though, be sure to watch your pockets and belongings very carefully, particularly when it is busy, as there are very skillful pickpockets that work the system.

Walking around Paris is one of the most wonderful things. Overall, Paris is a pretty small city. I suggest picking a neighbourhood and just start to wander. Literally, just pick a neighbourhood and wander. My favourites are St Germain, Marais, the Latin Quarter and Montmatre.

If you can take the Eurostar to Paris, I highly recommend it! It is such an easy, quick, and chic way to travel. From London, it takes just over two hours from St Pancras International Station to the centre of Paris at the Gare du Nord station.

Have you been to the Design Museum in its new home in Kensington? It's now housed in an incredible new building where the architecture is just as interesting to admire as the exhibits! This museum is focused on design in multiple forms including graphics, products, fashion, architecture, and industrial design. It is considered to be one of the world's leading museums dedicated to contemporary design in multiple forms.

The new Design Museum has much more space, and can host more talks and events in its new 200 seat auditorium. It also features its first permanent exhibit called 'Designer Maker User'. This fascinating exhibit takes you through nearly a century of modern design through these three roles, featuring nearly 1,000 pieces of twentieth and twenty-first century design from fashion, graphics/art, architecture, engineering, and technology/digital. The museum also hosts a series of temporary exhibits, so check their website and Instagram account to stay up to date with the latest happenings.

The Design Museum is open daily between 10:00 - 18:00. It is also open late on the first Friday of each month until 20:00. It is free to check out the permanent exhibits, but expect a charge for tickets for temporary exhibits. I can also recommend the fantastic gift shop as well as they are filled with all kinds of chic and modern items (and great if looking for a unique gift)!

Nestled at the top of one of Rome's highest hills, Monte Mario, in a 15 acre private Mediterranean park overlooking the city sits the stunning Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel. The road to and from the hotel, which is located in a prestigious residential area of Rome, is almost fascinating as it forms part of one of history's most important paths - the Via Francigena. This was the route for thousands of pilgrims from Canterbury, England, through to France, and onwards to Rome over the centuries. Armies marched along this route, travelers would rest on this hill, and merchants would sell their wares. The hotel's name is a tribute to these travelers who faced danger and exhaustion to come to Rome., as Cavalieri means 'Rider' or 'Knight', reminding today's travelers of this incredible history.

After a beautiful, winding drive up Monte Mario, you arrive at the main entrance of the hotel and are greeted by friendly doormen. The main lobby is breathtaking with its dramatic gold light installation, priceless works of art, and expansive space leading out to a terrace overlooking over Rome. Right away, you know right away that you have arrived somewhere special. Checking in is smooth with friendly, professional, and welcoming reception staff who explain the hotel and its amenities, sending your bags to your room ahead of your arrival.

The hotel opened its doors in 1963 at the height of the 'Dolce Vita' in Rome, a time of significant economic development and and considered to be 'Hollywood on the Tiber' due to its appeal for American film studios and movie stars. Still today, the Rome Cavalieri is a top choice for stars and global jet setters, welcoming everyone from Fred Astaire through to royalty and heads of state. For fans of the film Eat, Pray, Love, this is where Julia Roberts stayed during filming!

The hotel was designed by one of the most important architects of this period as well: Ugo Luccichenti with contributions from Franco Albini and Pierluigi Nervi. The Rome Cavalieri is approximately 3 km from Vatican City and 5 km from the historic city centre. Although the location isn't right in the heart of Rome's centre, it is easily reached by the complimentary shuttle bus or a quick and inexpensive taxi. It was actually quite nice to not stay in the busy centre of the city as it turned into the perfect combination of a city break and relaxed getaway in the Rome Cavalieri's oasis. In addition to all of the main amenities, features, and services that are described in more detail below, there are also boutiques in the hotel for shopping, a bank, ATM, and travel agency inside the hotel. In addition to babysitting services, the hotel is also pet friendly with accompanying pet sitting services!

One of the most incredible parts of the Rome Cavalieri is that it is not just a hotel, but a living art gallery. With over 1,000 pieces in its collection, it owns a museum-worthy collection of paintings from some of the most famous artists in history, French period furniture, exquisite and rare tapestries, sculptures, and other historical artefacts. For instance, two paintings by Niccolo Bambini are on permanent display in the main lobby to admire, and four paintings by one of Venice's greatest painters from the 18th century, Giuseppe Zais, can be found above the Concierge and Reception desks. His paintings can be found in museums around the world, including in London's National Gallery, and in Berlin, Madrid, and Venice, giving a sense of the significance of the paintings owned by the hotel. Other significant painters with works owned by the Cavalieri include Giambattista Tiepolo,Frans Snyders, Alessandro Magnasco, and Andy Warhol's 'Dollar Signs' painting, which is on display in one of the penthouse suites.

Bronze and marble sculptures can be seen in the hotel's public areas, including three rare 17th century Sicilian 'bas reliefs' of multi-chrome marble which are incorporated into the infinity glass structure of the Lobby, Reception, and Concierge desks. Also on display is a piece by Antonio Tantardini called 'The Kiss' (created in Milan in 1861), a piece by Bertel Thorvaldsen called 'The Shepherd Boy and His Dog', and a piece by Cesare Zocchi, a 19th century Florentine sculptor, which represents Minos, the King of Crete and Guardian of Hell.

You won't be able to miss the large tapestries on display in the main lobby, including a rare 1725 Beauvais Tapestry entitled 'L'Histoire du Roi de la Chine'. The hotel owns more than 20 rare tapestries ranging from Flemish 16th century to masterpieces from the Royal Works of Aubusson and Gobelins, which are on display around the hotel.

The Cavalieri's suites and public areas are also accentuated with exceptional French (Louis XV and First Empire) furniture, whose history can be traced to royal palaces and history, including the cradle of Napoleon's son, the 'King of Rome', and a richly decorated baroque commode from the the 18th century, once belonging to the King of Poland. The collection also includes cabinets, commodes, gueridons, consoles, clocks, appliques, and more. Suites are also decorated with unique pieces of artwork and furnishings, including original Karl Lagerfeld sofas, rare 18th century antiques, and Andy Warhol and Robert Indiana paintings.

Travel tip: even if you aren't staying at the hotel, a tour of the art collection can be arranged with the hotel's concierge, in addition to an app available to self-guide you through the collection!

Eat:

Coming to Rome to indulge in its culinary delights is one of the main reasons to visit, right?? The Rome Cavalieri has no shortage of delicious restaurant and dining options, with the jewel in its crown being La Pergola, the only hotel restaurant in Italy to hold a coveted three Michelin Stars.

Let's start with breakfast as it's the most important meal of the day, of course. Breakfast is served at the L'Uliveto restaurant, which is on the lower ground level of the hotel in a large room and as well as one of the terraces so you can enjoy your meal outdoors overlooking the pool and manicured gardens in warmer weather. What waits for you is a veritable feast so be sure to come hungry. My advice is to do a survey of the expansive offerings first so you know what's on offer to avoid risking being overwhelmed with choice and a lack of plate space! You can find anything on offer for breakfast from classic North American options of eggs, bacon, sausages, french toast, hash browns, pastries, and pancakes; European continental breakfast options of meats, cheeses, and pastries (including the incredible mini donuts!); and, global fare including Italian meatballs and Chinese dumplings! You can enjoy L'Uliveto for dinner as well, which serves a full menu of Mediterranean and international dishes.

Fancy a coffee or afternoon tea? Check out the Tiepolo Lounge and Terrace on the main floor, named after the famous painter whose works you can admire while sipping your cappuccino: 'Ulysses Discovers Achilles Among the Daughters of Lycomedes', 'The Flaying of Marsyas', and 'Hercules and Anteus'. You can enjoy the lounge indoors, or take in the beautiful view and surroundings on the adjacent outdoor terrace. You can also enjoy a light lunch, snacks, or drinks here, as well as take into nightly live entertainment. Enjoy the new afternoon tea called 'Tea with Tiepolo', served daily between 4 to 6:30pm. This tea includes a selection of rare and delicate speciality teas served in bone china, Berlucchi Spumante rose served in vermeil flutes, and delicacies such as quail eggs with caviar and black truffle.

If you're visiting during the summer months when the Roman sun is scorching hot, enjoy a dip in the beautiful large outdoor pool, one of the few pools in Rome! While relaxing poolside, you can order from the Pool Bar by either walking over to the bar to order or buzzing the convenient digital coaster at the table next to your lounger for service. You can choose from a selection of drinks, refreshments, light snacks, and homemade ice cream. While certainly convenient, the service was often very slow, even after asking for someone to take our order several times on different days we were there, and the menu is expensive. At the Chalet Grill, enjoy seasonal alfresco food, which serves hot and cold dishes while screening live sporting events.

If you're enjoying the services of the Grand Spa Cafe, you can choose from a selection of healthy drinks, including freshly squeezed juices, smoothies, herbal teas, and fitness beverages, or light snacks including salads and fresh fruit.

Saving the best for last is La Pergola Restaurant and Bar, which is located at the top of the Rome Cavalieri with its expansive roof terrace with spectacular panoramic views over Rome. The three Michelin-starred restaurant (since November 2005) is under the direction of renowned chef, Heinz Beck. Not only is it the only hotel in Italy to have this accolade, it was Italy's first five-star hotel restaurant to receive the award. You can dine on your award-winning meal under a frescoed ceiling, fine furniture, and 18th and 19th century works of art. During warm summer evenings, you can dine by candlelight under the stars. Opulent table settings enhance your experience, including gold-plated silverware, as well as unique touches such as vintage balsamic vinegars, salts and peppers from around the world, and rare teas and coffees. The restaurant's double-tiered wine cellar is also to be admired, as it holds approximately 53,000 bottles and is the winner of multiple awards, including the Wine Spectator's Grand Award in 2005 and 2008. The 2,500 label wine list features some of the world's rarest Italian and international wines, including 19th century and legendary cult wines.

There is no shortage of activities to keep fit, relax, and have fun at the hotel. The Cavalieri's Grand Spa Club is considered to be one of Italy's most luxurious spa and fitness facilities, with over 2,500 square metres of wellness, treatment, and relaxation space. There are 10 treatment rooms to enjoy a wide variety of spa services, including La Prairie facials. Unwind with a massage or body treatment, then enjoy one of the two saunas (or both!), whirlpool, or the amethyst Turkish bath.

Stay on track with your exercise regime at the state-of-the-art fitness centre which features a full programme of classes as well as high-tech equipment. Play a game of tennis on one of two Davis Cup red clay tennis courts, or take a walk on the 800m fitness trail within the hotel's expansive grounds.

Take a dip in the three outdoor swimming pools, which includes the main large outdoor pool and children's pool, or the glass-domed indoor pool with its cascading waterfall, hydromassage pool, and Japanese stone walk.

Sleep

The Rome Cavalieri has 345 spacious deluxe rooms, each with a large private balcony. In addition, there are 25 luxurious suites in a range of sizes, each individually decorated with valuable antique furniture and artwork.

My hotel room was nothing short of spectacular from the moment I walked through the door. Decorated in sunny, plush yellow and gold furnishings, it was luxurious and comforting. Cushy armchairs around a coffee table make a great sitting area, and a lovely workspace / desk if you need to work while staying at the hotel. As I was staying on the Imperial Floor, my suite had a private terrace that opened out to a breathtaking view over Rome. As I had arrived late in the evening, I quickly changed into one of the cozy white robes and a pair of slippers, and sipped a glass of sparkling wine on the terrace, watching the lights twinkle across the city in the warm summer night air - pure bliss!

Those who follow me will know that I have a big thing for the toiletries provided by hotels, as I truly think that offering quality toiletries is an indicator of taste, quality, and luxury. So, you can imagine how pleased I was to walk into the spacious marble bathroom to find Salvatore Ferragamo 'Tuscan Sun' products to enjoy! Going beyond the classic shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and moisturizer, the products included sheet masks (amazing!) and face mists (in a perfect size to pop into your purse to refresh in the summer heat). I was thoroughly impressed.

The plush white bed linens were silky soft, enveloping you as you relax and drift off to sleep. The hotel offers a pillow menu to suit every taste for a good night's sleep, and the mattress itself was dreamy to sleep on.

If you are staying in an Imperial Room suite, you have access to the newly renovated Imperial Club, which offers private VIP check in / out, complimentary breakfast, finger foods, afternoon tea, early evening hors d'oeuvres, and after-dinner drinks. My favourite thing was enjoying the delicious strawberry tarts and glass of sparkling wine on the terrace with an incredible view!

Located on the top floor with spectacular views of the city, this is the largest suite in the hotel. It features an ornate bedroom, marble bathroom, kitchen, wine cellar, and dining room for up to eight guests. There is a living space adorned with antique furniture, wood parquet, and rare 17th century paintings depicting Santa Caterina and Santa Cecilia, as well as mosaic tables and a sofa designed by Karl Lagerfeld. The Valcucine kitchen from the 'Artematica' line is fully equipped to cater for a private dinner or allow guests to feel at home by having the facilities to cook for themselves. Throughout the suite, a subtle yet high quality tech system is built in, allowing guests to control audio, visual, and lighting at the simple touch of a button.

The suite is also adaptable to comprise three additional Imperial Rooms with an adjacent Vista Suite to create an apartment with the benefits of the hotel's facilities, including the Imperial Club.

Service, and the services, offered by a hotel is often the game changer in giving it the edge from competitors. The Rome Cavalieri has outdone itself with an incredible list of experiences and services to enjoy. For example:

The Atelier: a private lounge which gives guests a place to plan, discuss and organize special occasions. Exclusive, world-class wedding and other event planning services and professional staff help guests with every last detail.

The Italian Super Car Experience: guests can have the chance to drive an Italian car of their dreams in this experience day. In collaboration with Red Travel, the hotel offers guests the chance to experience a four-hour driving tour on the iconic Mille Miglia route. You will drive through hilltop villages along the winding roads of the route that made the Gran Turismo sports car famous! Choose from a Ferrari F430 Spider, a Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 E-Gear, or a Maserati Gran Turismo - talk about making memories! This experience is priced from €850 per person.

Experience Life as Roman Gladiator: in the private park of the hotel, guests can learn ancient combat techniques of Rome's Gladiators and have the chance to experience life as a real Gladiator! The Scuola Gladiatori Roma mixes sport with culture, and teaches students how gladiators fought with traditional weapons such as the 'Gladius', the typical gladiator sword, and the 'Trident' a three-pronged spear. Lessons are open to adults and children over seven years of age, and take place on a request basis.

Cinematic tour, 'The Grand Beauty': this tour is inspired by Paolo Sorrentino's 2014 Oscar and BAFTA winning movie, 'La Grande Bellezza'. You will explore the picturesque Roman areas featured in the film as well as a few hidden locations with the hotel's experienced and resident Art Historian, Alexandra Massini. The full day tour includes a private tour of Rome's iconic sights, including the Colosseum, Palazzo Spada, Piazza Farnese, the Baths of Caracalla, Palazzo Sacchetti, and Villa Medici. There are also shorter options available if you can't devote an entire day. Prices vary depending on the length of the tour you choose and the dining options you select. For example, the price for a family of five starts from €1,345, excluding aperitif and lunch; €1,745 including aperitif with snacks on the terrace of Palazzo Taverna; and upwards.

Million Dollar Wedding - The Ultimate Wedding: if money is no object, take the hotel up on this incredible wedding experience for up to 100 lucky guests. Guests will fly to Rome on a private jet and arrive at the hotel in a chauffeur driven vintage car. The bride and groom will check-in to the penthouse suite (featuring four original Andy Warhols and a large panoramic roof terrace with private whirlpool). The king size bed will be made up with the couple's choice of monogrammed Italian Pratesi Paradise linen, which the hotel will ship home. All wedding guests will receive handwritten invitations on personalized hand-crafted paper from the Amalfi Coast. Guests can be accommodated in 50 executive floor rooms and suites, and will enjoy private butler service. Wedding pictures will be set against famous landmarks such as the Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, and Spanish Steps. Guests can also indulge in spa pampering and professional hair and makeup services in the Grand Spa. The hotel provides a personal wedding planner to oversee all details of the event, both on and off the property. Arrival at the church or synagogue can be by horse-drawn carriage, complete with outriders, or vintage car. The couple can also choose to have their wedding bands custom designed by Italian jeweler, Fabio Salini. A chic cocktail reception on the roof garden overlooking the city will be arranged, followed by an elaborate seven course menu and wedding cake by Heinz Beck, along with Dom Perignon and caviar. Tables will be dressed with Pratesi table linens with 24 carat gold lace and luxury centrepieces. To top it all off (if all of that wasn't enough), the finale is a fireworks display and balloon release from the terrace!

Something Borrowed for Brides: as part of the bridal tradition of wearing something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue, this program features Italian Princesses (Lucia Odescalchi and Grazia Borghese) lending their custom designed jewelry collection to brides who get married at the Cavalieri.

Kid's Club: for travelers with children, the hotel offers a Kid's Club (the League of Young Cavaliers) to engage them in fun activities and experiences. It gives children the opportunity to experience art, sports, cooking, and more, while mixing fun with quality learning.

If you're lucky enough to be at the hotel attending an event, the hotel has the largest and most modern congress centre facilities of any European five-star deluxe hotel. With over 8700 square metres of meeting and conference space, as well as a grand ballroom (the Salone dei Cavalieri) capable of hosting 2100 guests, there is more than enough space and choice for events, supported by dedicated event managers and state-of-the-art technology - a must in today's busy and highly connected world.

Hotel prizes and awards:

The hotel is the recipient of many awards over the years, including the following most recent ones:

2016 and 2015 World Travel Awards: World's Leading Luxury City Resort, Europe's Leading Luxury City resort, and Italy's leading Luxury City resort.

2016 Six Star Diamond Award by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences

Trip Advisor 'Certificate of Excellence' since 2010.

2014 - 2013-2012: World Travel Awards 'Italy's Leading Business Hotel'

2013: Awarded one of the Best European Hotels by European Finest Hotels Organisation

Getting There:

Getting to the Rome Cavalieri is pretty easy. The Leonardo da Vinci - Fiumicino Airport is 35 km away, and the Pastine-Ciampino Airport is 44km away. From the airports, you can take a taxi directly to the hotel, which is probably the easiest and quickest option as the hotel isn't directly in the city centre, or arrange a private limo transfer through the hotel to pick you up. Alternatively, you can take a train into the city centre and take the hotel's complimentary shuttle from the Piazza Barberini.

Have you ever wanted to see a magical carpet ride? Glittering costumes? A genie come to life? Sets that take you away to another world? Music to fill you with song?

If so, then you've got to get yourself a ticket to see Aladdin The Musical in the West End. Having wanted to see it for ages, I recently had the opportunity to see it on stage at London's Prince Edward Theatre. This is a stunning, dazzling show that is guaranteed to put you in a great mood!

It is clear that a lot of care was put into bringing Disney's much-loved film to life - a tricky task, especially for passionate fans who will undoubtedly be making comparisons back to the film. Fans familiar with the film will notice some differences. For instance, Abu (Aladdin's monkey and best friend) and Rajah (Jasmine's best friend and devoted tiger) don't appear in the musical, but are substituted with male and female entourages for Aladdin and Jasmine, respectively. There are also a few new songs that have been composed especially for the musical which are fun, though not as catchy as the original score.

There are some standout performances during the show. The Genie is played by Trevor Dion Nicholas, a brilliant, larger than life performer who steals the show. Sharp and witty with a terrific voice and comedic timing, he really brings the show to life. The scene where the Genie explains to Aladdin (played by Matthew Croke) all the amazing things he could wish for while inside the cave is a spectacular, fun-filled confectionary moment with a set completely decked out in glittering gold, and accompanied by elaborate costumes, lights, fantastic choreography., and a bit (or a lot) of magic. There were a few children sitting near me in the audience. Seeing the awe and wonder on their faces was simply magical during this scene.

Another favourite is the scene where the Genie turns Aladdin into a sultan for his first wish and takes the parade and spectacle to Jasmine's palace. The sparkling costumes, choreography, music, and sets for this scene are again spectacular!

One of the most magical parts of the show though is the magic carpet ride taken by Jasmine and Aladdin. The entire theatre goes dark, transforming into a starry night sky where the magic carpet soars across the stage. It's enough to take your breath away! Jasmine is played by Jade Ewen, formerly of the band, Sugababes, and the UK's representative in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2009. Her vocals are stunning and she brings some wonderful star power to the show.

Although the show might not feel as professional as some of the more established West End musicals, it is a fun-filled, family friendly show that will lift your spirits - and isn't that what is most important in today's age filled with negative daily news? As you leave the theatre, it'll be hard to stop singing and dancing on your way to the tube to go home!

I first discovered the Grand Hotel du Palais Royal after walking through the Palais Royal a couple of years ago. I looked it up on Instagram to find that they had a beautiful account that I began to follow, enjoying the regular dose of inspiration from the hotel and its surrounding areas.

The Grand Hotel du Palais Royal is a small luxury, five star boutique hotel, just a stone’s throw from the Louvre and across the road from the stunning Palais Royal. With interiors designed by by Pierre-Yves Rochon, the hotel is chic and elegant, wrapping you in private luxury from the hustle and bustle outside. It is also part of an 18th century building with aspects of it holding a historical designation, including the facade. Some of the 68 rooms and suites in the hotel have their own balcony with stunning views of Paris and famous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and Sacre Coeur. Throughout the hotel, fresh flowers and plants greet you as a nod to the stunning Palais Royal gardens on its doorstep. You can also indulge your senses at the Le Lulli Restaurant, Lounge Bar, and Carita Spa.

The Palais Royal area is a fantastic location when visiting Paris due to its proximity to so many of the city's main attractions:

I recently stayed at this beautiful hotel, feeling like royalty from the moment I arrived. An attentive doorman was waiting to open the door to my taxi, sheltering me from the downpour of rain with an umbrella overhead and whisked me inside. Inside, I received a warm welcome from Concierge, who checked me in quickly while also explaining all the amenities and services available. I then had a bellboy guide me to my suite.

I stayed in the Palais Royal Suite, which took my breath away as soon as the door opened. When you step inside, you are greeted by a plush chaise lounge and small terrace overlooking the courtyard, and a staircase (!) leading up to the rest of the suite. As I walked upstairs, I took in the warm and welcoming bedroom, chic, modern bathroom made of glass and marble, and inviting living room with a walk-out terrace. I actually felt happy that it was stormy outside so that I could change into the cozy bathrobe and relax in my mini palace in the heart of Paris, watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle on the hour.

The suite is on the 7th floor and has private access. The view from the living room looks out to the Opera Garnier and Sacre Coeur Basilica, as well as looking over the Palais Royal and street below where you can watch the world go by.

The jaw-dropping bathroom is all glass, light and marble, with a double sink, deep bathtub with a lovely window view, and separate shower stall. Those who follow me know that high quality toiletries are always a sign of a great hotel, so I was very happy to see that luxurious Atelier Cologne products were provided, as well as the extra thoughtful touches including vanity and dental kits. Make a cup of coffee with your own Nespresso machine and walk out to your private terrace, where you can gaze out to the Eiffel Tower and Louvre.

After enjoying a delicious buffet breakfast in the hotel's restaurant, Le Lulli, take a stroll into the Palais Royal with its chic black and white-striped podiums and perfectly manicured gardens to enjoy a coffee at one of Paris’s most popular coffee shops, Café Kitsune.

After a day of exploring Paris, pop into the hotel's cozy Lounge Bar for some tea and pastries. Or, enjoy a masterfully mixed cocktail or tasty bite to eat, open from 11am to 11pm. If you're feeling fancy, enjoy the Champagne Bar, where you can choose from over 30 different selections.

At the Le Lulli Restaurant, which is housed inside a winter garden flooded with light, enjoy exquisite French cuisine by Executive Chef Clement Le Norcy, trained by Michelin Star Head Chefs Francois Adamski and Michel Portos. Le Norcy works with quality, seasonal, regional, and organic products in his creations. For reservations, contact lelulli@ghparis.com or +33 142 96 72 20.

I enjoyed a wonderful hour-long massage at the Carita Spa. Part of the personalized luxury touch was the fact that service can be upon request until late in the evening. After arriving on a Friday evening during a storm after a long week, I rang the Concierge who arranged a massage for later in the evening, which was divine. The Spa features a large Turkish bath, two treatment rooms, a beauty salon (including hairdressing and nail services), and wide menu of services, as well as a fitness room with state-of-the-art exercise equipment and personal training. You can also purchase Carita products and Kure Bazaar nail polish on site. You can also enjoy the services of the Spa if you aren't a guest at the hotel; however, access to the fitness centre and hammam is reserved for the guests of the Carita Spa and Hotel. The Spa is open daily from 9am to 10pm.

A unique offer by the hotel is to enjoy an exclusive tour of the Palais Royal and learn about its history, including it being the former palace of Cardinal Richelieu (originally built in 1639) and how it became the most important market in Europe in the 18th century. The tour lasts between 1.5 to 2 hours with tea included at the hotel lounge. The price per person is 130 € per person (2 persons minimum, 55 € per additional person).

Additional services offered by the hotel include 24 hour room service, daily turndown service with complimentary water, laundry and dry cleaning services, highly trained 'Clefs d'or' concierge, a business centre, valet services, and complimentary wifi. Multiple languages are spoken by staff including French, English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Russian. The Concierge can also help you with everything from booking restaurant reservations to theatre tickets to key sights and attractions in Paris - nothing is too much trouble!

Getting There:

The hotel is easy to find. If arriving by plane, it takes about 45 minutes from Charles de Gaulle Airport, and 30-45 minutes from Orly Airport. If you arrive via the Eurostar, the hotel can be reached in about 15 - 20 minutes by taxi from the Gard du Nord or by Metro (lines 1 and 7; Palais Royal - Musee de Louvre). From Gare de Lyon, it is about a 10 - 15 minute taxi ride. You can also take the bus via lines 21, 48, 69, 72, or 81. There is also a Velib bike station about 50 metres from the hotel.

The hotel also offers private transfers, which can be arranged with the concierge team prior to, and during, your arrival.

Paris City Guide

Need some more Paris inspiration? Check out some of my favourite things to do in Paris here!

In making my annual Christmas Market visit to a new European city, I stayed at the lovely Hotel München Palace in Munich for part of my stay. This family run, five star boutique hotel is located in the beautiful, upscale Bogenhausen quarter of the city. The hotel is owned by the famous Bavarian restaurateur family Kuffler. This hotel provides a personal touch that focuses on making sure that its guests have a comfortable, warm stay in an exclusive, elegant, and private environment.

Walking into this hotel for the first time, I was warmly greeted by a sharply dressed doorman and friendly reception staff. The small but warm and inviting contemporary lobby was festively decorated with a large Christmas tree twinkling in the corner with cozy armchairs and sofas to relax in. My first impression of the hotel was that it felt like a well-kept secret in Munich, an exclusive hotel to enjoy in privacy and peace.

A boutique hotel, the Hotel München Palace has 74 rooms all individually decorated in an elegant, modern style by Kuffler Inn Design. You can choose from a classic single room through to one of the suites in the hotel, including the large and luxurious Presidential Suite for the ultimate in comfort. All of the rooms have parquet flooring, a minibar, safe, a/c, a flatscreen television, a PC connection, and high-speed internet access.

I had the pleasure of staying in one of the Deluxe Double Rooms. My room was cozy and comfortable, with a lovely homey feeling. Plush furnishings and a comfortable bed with high quality white bed linens envelop you when you tuck in during the night. Beautiful details included parquet flooring, high ceilings, and a marble bathroom. My room had a large window overlooking the interior courtyard, where I enjoyed looking at the Bavarian architecture facing in. My room also had high speed internet and a television with multiple international channels.

Those who follow me know I have a big thing for the toiletries offered by hotels, and is one of the first things I look for. I truly believe that the sign of a quality hotel is the provision of quality brands for its toiletries. So, I was very happy to walk into the bathroom to see luxurious Molton Brown products to enjoy!

Inside the hotel is a Bar, Restaurant, and Garden to enjoy. Breakfast in the morning was a complete joy with a large spread of delicious food to choose from to start your day off right! The Palace restaurant features international cuisine and Bavarian specialties as well as the fantastic breakfast buffet and afternoon tea service. Head into the cozy Palace Bar to enjoy a cocktail, which is a popular meeting spot. The Palace Garden is a wonderful place to enjoy a drink, lunch, or dinner in this oasis in the middle of Munich.

Feel like relaxing? Indulge in a pampering shower, sauna or steam bath, or get some exercise with the gym's quality equipment, all with access to the rooftop terrace. Even if you don't fancy working out, you can head up to the rooftop terrace to enjoy some beautiful views of the surrounding neighbourhood.

The hotel also offers various event room facilities for conferences and private events, as well as business suites for meetings up to six people. Other services to enjoy from the hotel is a complimentary minibar, daily newspaper, bicycle rental, 24 hour room service, concierge services, garage parking, limousine service, and shoe shine services.

Getting into the city centre takes about 15 minutes, which you can access easily by public transport. The subway and bus (Museum line) stops are a few minutes walk from the Hotel, and the city's fairgrounds (Messe and ICM) are a 10 minute drive away.

While my mum and aunt were recently visiting London from Canada and Spain, we celebrated my birthday a couple of weeks early by having afternoon tea at The Orangery at Kensington Palace.

The setting is beautiful - the bright, white and airy room has large windows, soaring ceilings, and 18th century architecture, and is surrounded by the perfectly manicured gardens (you don't need to pay for admission to the palace to get to the Orangery). It is elegant, but not pretentious, so you can feel relaxed as you enjoy a traditional afternoon tea (or breakfast or lunch from their main menu), the only royal palace in London where you can do this. Adding to the magic of this setting is the The Orangery's history, which was once the place for Queen Anne's court entertainment.

You can choose from the 'English Orangery Afternoon Tea' or the 'Royal Afternoon Tea'; the difference between the two is that the Royal tea comes with a glass of bubbles (Laurent-Perrier Brut NV or Merlot Rosé Spumante NV) or a glass of the quintessentially English drink, Pimms.

There is a nice selection of sandwiches served, which include a very tasty coronation chicken, roast ham and English mustard, cucumber and fresh mint, egg mayo and cress, and smoked salmon and cream cheese. Light and tasty, these sandwiches were a great way to start the tea. I just wish that there was the opportunity to have them refilled as you are often offered in other settings.

Next came the scones, which are orange-scented and currant, served with classic Cornish clotted cream and English strawberry jam. The scones were light and delicious, and importantly didn't fill you up too much before you got to the cakes (which often happens to me). The tea pastries and cakes were also fairly light to finish off the tea, including a tasty Victoria Sponge. Important to me was that they weren't too sickly sweet or rich to enjoy.

There is a range of loose teas, tisanes, or coffees to choose from. For teas, you can choose from a range of black or green teas, or herbal and fruit infusions.

Vegetarian options and an afternoon tea made from gluten free ingredients are available upon request. There is also a children's afternoon tea available on request for £11.50 per child.

The English Orangery Afternoon Tea is £27.50 per person. The Royal Afternoon Tea ranges from £33.50 to £37.50 depending on which drink you choose.

Afternoon tea is served between 12.00 - 18.00. I highly recommend making a booking in advance because it is often very busy, particularly on weekends. They do accept walk-ins; however, be prepared to potentially wait in a queue for quite a long time.

After leaving The Orangery, be sure to take a look at the new White Garden nearby in the historic Sunken Garden at the Palace for Spring and Summer 2017. The Garden has been created in memory of Princess Diana, inspired by her life, image and style, and complements the current exhibition, Diana: Her Fashion Story. The garden is awash with beautiful tulips, narcisii, forget-me-nots, white English roses, Cosmos daisies, Gaura, and ornamental grasses. It is absolutely beautiful so take a walk around the entire square to see all angles of this thoughtful and stunning garden.

For the past several years, I've been wanting to Venice during Carnevale time. The costumes, the wintry, mysterious atmosphere, the celebrations, and tradition. This year, I finally decided to book and experience it!

It was everything I hoped it would be. Whether people were in full costumes, getting into the spirit with a mask, or taking in the scenes, it was a fabulous way to experience Venice. Below are just a few of the incredible costumes at this year's Venice Carnevale.

One of London's most anticipated exhibitions opened last week at Kensington Palace. Called 'Diana: Her Fashion Story', an incredible collection of dresses have been brought together from around the world from museums and private collection to trace her life through fashion. From her debutante ball to state visits to her private life, this collection is truly special and a must-see.

It's open until February 2018, but there is significant interest with many dates sold out. So - hop on to the website and book in advance to secure your spot. Expect a queue when you arrive, even with an advance ticket though. But - it is absolutely worth it. Your ticket will also include a visit to the rest of the palace. Check out the palace's website too as there are various related events and talks happening.

Sketch has become instantly recognizable due to its iconic art deco-inspired, glamorous pink salon that is an Instagrammers dream.

Located in Mayfair, Sketch hosts a series of bars and restaurants over two stories in a converted 18th century building.

The Gallery, designed by India Mahdavi and David Shrigley, is the eponymous room in Sketch that features the afternoon tea, which, in my opinion (and probably many others, considering how busy it gets), is the most glamorous in London! If you're looking for a classic experience in a beautiful room, particularly with a group of girlfriends, this is a perfect place. To note, it is also open for dinner, with creatively styled and interpreted classic dishes.

From the moment you arrive at Sketch, the service is impeccable, adding to the luxurious experience you have there. Start by choosing either a classic or Champagne afternoon tea; as you can see above, we went with the Champagne tea! Served in classic Champagne glasses, it automatically ups the glam factor. Sip your champagne slowly while taking in your surroundings, which include 239 pieces of quirky artwork lining the walls by David Shrigley - the largest group of original drawings Shrigley has ever exhibited.

Start with creative and delicious sandwiches, served on an afternoon tea cake stand, created from stacked cups and saucers. The tastiest ones in my opinion are the coronation chicken, and truffle croque monsieur. If you fancy some more, your server will gladly bring you a refill of your favourites!

But don't forget that you've got fresh scones and cakes to enjoy as well, so don't fill up too much on the sandwiches to save room for the other things!

You can select from freshly baked, warm plan or sultana scones, served with classic clotted cream and strawberry jam. I went with a classic plain, which was delicious. It was also a nice balance between the savoury sandwiches and sweet cakes.

The cakes offer a nice balance of flavours, from a citrus tart, to chocolate gateaux, to bubblegum marshmallow knots (very light in flavour so not overpowering), and a delicious cheesecake pudding.

Afternoon Tea is served between 12:30pm - 4:30pm Mondays through Sundays.

On my last trip to Paris, I made the trip to visit Fondation Louis Vuitton, the stunning Frank Gehry-designed building that opened in 2014. Not only did I want to see the building itself, but the latest installation by French artist, Daniel Buren. Named 'Observatory of Light', Buren created his installation by covering the glass sails of the building with coloured filters that create incredible floods and designs of light throughout the day. Known for his in-situ works of art, the filters cover the 3,600 pieces of glass that comprise the 'sails' of the building in a chequerboard design.

The Fondation Louis Vuitton building is an arts centre in the Jardin d'Acclimation (on the edge of the Bois de Boulogne) designed by Canadian architect Frank Gehry, who created it to resemble a cloud of glass. Inside, you can explore 11 galleries that hold both permanent collections of contemporary art, and temporary exhibitions, as well as education and auditorium facilities. The Fondation is completely privately owned, supported by LVMH and Bernard Arnault, took a dozen years to develop, and approximately $135 M.

Buren's Observatory of Light exhibit will be in place until April 2017, so put it high on your list to check out if you're visiting Paris in the next few months. It's mesmerizing to walk through to see the light create kaleidoscope patterns and pools of light around you from the different colours on the sails. You won't be disappointed!